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In a society focused on individualism, status and rank, wealth and profit it’s important to remind students on *mutual* benefit and welfare.

The core principles of Judo are “seiryoku zenyo” (mind/body = energy best use) and “ju no ri” (principle of the soft, yielding, flexible, adaptable)

“Jita Kyoei” (I and you together glory/prosper) is a reminder, that you can’t do Judo alone. In Judo you should respect your teachers, partners, opponents, referees and you should also give and not only take. It’s also a reminder, that Judo is not only a sport but also a “Way” do develop character and social skills.

“Mutual benefit and welfare” is not specific to Judo – many sports try to do that and also many associations. If you are for example in a chess club, you – although chess being a very competitive sport with ELO and rankings – have also “jita kyoei” . We also have to consider, that “cooperation, peace and harmony” is not an aim in itself – there have to be contents and substance for the foundation of a society like human rights, liberal and social rights, political rights, democracy, rule of law, separation of power and so on.

“Seiryoku zenyo” is not only “good use of energy” and “minimum effort – maximum efficiency” but already has a moral reference because of “zen” 善 = good, virtuous, kind.